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In the annual State of the City address given Friday, Macedo also praised Tulare's police and fire departments and other city workers, gave an update on recent infrastructure projects and hinted future projects might include a partnership between city administrators and residents.

"We might not be going forward 100 mph, but we are not going backwards," Macedo said. "Our City Manager Don Dorman is doing exactly what we hired him to do. He has identified where there was spending. He has been able to stabilize all departments."

A long-time supporter of police and fire, Macedo said those who protect the city do so with dealing with peril.

Macedo said Police Chief Jerry Breckinridge has prepared officers to do their jobs well. Macedo also pointed to council's recent approval of the purchase of a new $500,000 fire engine for the department.

"It's one of the things we need to do. We need to provide them with the best tools," Macedo said.

Tulare's Mayor continues: "We have to remember, when there's an emergency, most of us are running away from it, they are running towards it," he said. "It takes a special kind of person."

Dorman, who spoke about public works, said it's that department that allows for economic development and a city to exist.

In his speech, Macedo listed the recent projects recently completed or under construction in Tulare:

• A railroad underpass on Bardsley Avenue.

• A street reconstruction on Brentwood near Prosperity avenues.

• A safety crosswalk near Wilson School.

• A sidewalk improvement on West Tulare Avenue.

• A pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks south of Cross Avenue.

• A Highway 99 interchange on Cartmill Avenue.

"Those are some of the things that have quietly been going on," Macedo said.

The Cartmill Interchange is expected to bring economic development to Tulare's northeast.

Dorman, during his participation, said the Tulare's transit system will get four new buses and will improve service. Dorman also said there's work to be done to improve Tulare's water system. The water system has lacked pressure because of faulty equipment.

Dorman said a consultant recommended repairs for the system valued at $600,000. But those are short term solutions.

The city will also deal with the mandated water consumption reduction from Gov. Brown. Dorman said the required water reduction will mean reduced revenue for the city.

"If we cut back, what do you think will happen?" Dorman said. "We make revenue by selling water."

Dorman also said he believes the water shortage is here to stay.

"We are looking at a new reality of life," he said.

Over his speech, Macedo said future projects, such as parks, may come as a result of a local partnership. The time when municipalities completely fund projects are over.

Tulare Mayor David Macedo delivers the State of the City presentation at Southern California Edison's AgTac building on Friday, May 15, 2015. Supervisor Pete Vander Poel also gave the State of the County.(Photo: Ron Holman)

"We might have to have a park district to have it," he said. "The expensive part will be the continuous maintenance."

Macedo continued: "What are our wants? How do we pay for it? How badly do we want it?"

The State of the City comes just in time as council is working on the upcoming budget. Council will meet on later on this month to discuss the proposed budget. The budget is expected to be approved next month.